Category: The Angle

Predictions are starting to come in for the Real Estate Market for 2017. They all seem to point to good news for the Charlotte area. The Queen City is poised for growth yet again, but maybe not quite as much as 2016.

Standard & Poor’s Case-Shiller home price index report showed a 6.2% rise in prices in September over last year. This exceeds the national average of 5.5%. It puts Charlotte in 7th place among the top 20 metro areas in the US. Seattle leads this group with 11% growth.

Realtor.com is projecting a strong year for Charlotte next year. They forecast a 4.3% rise in home prices and a rise of 6.3% in sales activity. Realtor.com ranks Charlotte #21 out of the top 100 metro areas in the US. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale sits atop their list.

It looks like the growth will be moderate and a little bit slower than last year per Realtor.com. There are a few reasons for this prediction.

The first is that interest rates are unsure at this time. There was a 40 basis point increase in rates after the election. An increase in interest rates would disproportionately affect first time homebuyers and can price some of them out of the market entirely. 95% of first time homebuyers rely on mortgages to finance the purchase of a home.

Second, there is a lack of inventory in the Charlotte area. In October there was a 23.1% decrease in the annual rate. This drives prices higher which can also price many homebuyers out of the market.

Realtor.com is predicting a few additional trends. 1. Millennials and baby-boomers will dominate the market in 2017. 2. A slowing of price appreciation. 3. Lower inventory. 4. Quick turnaround on sales. They also foresee price and sales increases in western states and millennials relocating to midwestern cities.

If you are thinking of buying or selling in the Charlotte area, call us at (704) 525-4045. Or check out our listings in and around the Charlotte community here.

With the wildfires burning in Western North Carolina, smoke has inundated the Charlotte area. This is a great time to change out your filters on your heating and cooling system. This is just one of the small maintenance items you can take care of while living in your home that can make all the difference when it comes time to sell. Here are some of the handyman issues you should keep up with each month or year. Many items are easy and you can take care of yourself. Many are harder and you should get a licensed professional to help you.

Monthly Checklist:

1. Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-up. This is especially important as the wildfires have caused excess build up right now.
2. If you have one, check the water softener and replenish salt if necessary.
3. Clean faucet aerators and showerheads to remove mineral deposits.
4. Inspect tub and sink drains for debris; unclog.

Fall Seasonal Checklist:

1. Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.
2. Have forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Tip: schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.
3. Check fireplace for damage or hazards.
4. Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping; replace if necessary.
5. Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models.
6. Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.
7. Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
8. Power-wash windows and siding.
9. Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
10. Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.
11. Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.
12. Have fireplace professionally inspected.
13. Tune up major home appliances before the holidays.
14. Repair or replace siding.
15. Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
16. Clean the carpets.
17. Clean window and door screens.
18. Vacuum lint from dryer vent.
19. Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks.
20. Check for frayed cords and wires.

Spring Seasonal Checklist:

1. Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.
2. Change the air-conditioner filter.
3. Clean window and door screens.
4. Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures.
5. Refinish the deck and/or wooden fence.
6. Power-wash windows and siding.
7. Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.
8. Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
9. If you have one, have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank.
10. Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration.
11. Vacuum lint from dryer vent.

If you take care of these seasonal items, you have a much better chance of avoiding large maintenance issues coming up during a home sale. You will also have a much better experience living in your home as you are less likely to have surprise costs mess up your budget.

Checklist courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.

This week, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction released their list of the best public high schools in the Charlotte area. The schools were ranked on the “college and career readiness standard”.

DPI’s most recent release breaks down the performance of 125 high schools in the Charlotte area — including public and charter high schools in Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan and Union counties.

After end-of-school assessments, students are graded and placed in one of five categories. Levels three and above meet the state proficient standard. Levels four and above meet the college and career readiness standard. The percent in each of the levels is the percent of students that scored at that achievement level.

Based on these rankings, here are the top 10 schools for the 2015-2016 school year:

1. Highland School of Technology – Gastonia – Gaston County Schools
2. Central Academy of Technology and Arts – Monroe – Union County Public Schools
3. Collaborative College of Technology – Statesville – Iredell-Statesville Schools
4. Ardrey Kell High School – Charlotte – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
5. Union County Early College – Monroe – Union County Public Schools
6. Weddington High – Weddington – Union County Public Schools
7. Gaston Early College High School – Dallas – Gaston County Schools
8. Providence High – Charlotte – Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
9. Challenger Early College High – Hickory – Catawba County Schools
10. Cuthbertson High – Waxhaw – Union County Public Schools

Union County Public Schools are doing great with four placements in the top ten. Gaston County is doing great as well with two in the top ten including the top ranked school. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools have a good showing with two out of the top ten.

It’s no surprise many families want to move into these great school districts. If you or someone you know is looking to relocate to or within the Charlotte area, we can help you choose the home that is right for you. School assignments are just one of the criteria we can help you with to narrow your search to find the home of your dreams.